Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces an exciting feature for players: the ability to transmog their weapons and items. This allows players to maintain their preferred stats while showcasing their favorite cosmetic looks, enhancing both gameplay and personalization. Dive deeper into what Assassin’s Creed Shadows offers in terms of player progression and the extent of its customization options.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Provides A Deep Dive on Progression
Transmogging and Weapon Customization
In Assassin’s Creed Shadows (AC Shadows), players are treated to a comprehensive progression system that includes the ability to transmog their weapons. This feature allows players to alter the appearance of their weapons while retaining their preferred stats. On March 1, 2025, AC Shadows detailed this system on their official website. Julien, the Associate Game Director, shared insights into the team's vision and the game's customizability.
Players can unlock the transmog feature by constructing a Forge in their Hideout, which then becomes accessible via the inventory menu. Julien explained, "Overall, the Forge plays a key part in managing your inventory. There, you can upgrade or dismantle weapons & gear, but we will share more in an upcoming article on the Hideout." Players can further customize their weapons by mixing and matching different components. The website post stated, "The final result could be the blade of one weapon, with the guard of another, and the handle of your newly acquired one."
New Progression Loop
At IGN Fan Fest 2025, AC Shadows’ Creative Director Charles Benoit discussed the game’s combat mechanics and progression. A subsequent post by Ubisoft provided a more in-depth look at how player progression is structured and the mechanics involved.
Julien highlighted the challenge of designing progression for two protagonists, saying, "Having two separate characters with unique archetypes in our feudal Japan world pushed us to rethink how we wanted to approach player progression." She emphasized their goal to align with the philosophy of mastery and martial arts.
Mastery, Abilities, and Knowledge Ranks
AC Shadows offers distinct mastery trees for its two protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, tailored to their archetypes: Naoe as a shinobi and assassin, and Yasuke as a samurai. Julien noted, "With the unique Mastery trees, we want to give players the freedom to dedicate themselves into a specific weapon, playstyle, or archetype, and ensure they can deepen their mastery of it." Investing points in the Mastery tree unlocks additional bonuses, enhancing the player's chosen path.
Abilities within the Mastery trees unlock new gameplay mechanics and increase damage output. However, access to certain abilities and points requires reaching specific Knowledge Ranks. These ranks can be elevated through non-violent activities such as finding Lost Pages in temples, praying at Shrines, practicing Kuji-kiri Meditation for Naoe, or learning new Kata for Yasuke.
Customizing Your Playstyle
AC Shadows enables players to tailor their gameplay experience through various customization options. Perks allow players to "modify, enhance, or specialize a piece of equipment," offering stat improvements, influence afflictions, or creating different conditions that encourage varied playstyles.
Despite their initial archetypes, Naoe and Yasuke can be customized to play differently. The official post showcased potential builds for each character, demonstrating the game's extensive customization capabilities. Naoe can adopt an exotic combat style, enhancing ground attack damage and facilitating quick engagement and disengagement with enemies. Yasuke can be configured for a stealthier, ranged approach, with perks and abilities enhancing his stealth and archery skills.
With the detailed reveals leading up to its release, fans are eagerly anticipating Assassin’s Creed Shadows. The game is set to launch on March 20, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay updated with the latest on Assassin’s Creed Shadows by checking out our article below!
